As I’ve gone from full-time teacher to stay/work at home mom this year, it has come to my attention that my wardrobe is…lacking. So today I’m going to show you how I started to remedy that with a colorblock t-shirt tutorial and pattern.
I mean, I had the dress pants or skirt/work shirt look down, and now I’m feeling a little lost. So I did what any sane person would do to get wardrobe inspiration – I started pinning, of course!
This shirt caught my eye – source: sheinside.com
Except I didn’t like the colors – the white stripe looks a little too much like a pageant sash to me. But I like the draping – especially since I have not been able to get rid of the extra skin around the tummy since I had Bean. My weight is the same, but there’s this stubborn muffin top that I am too busy to attack. And so I find myself wearing lots of looser items than I did pre-baby.
At any rate, I made this colorblocked t-shirt to try to cut into my prodigious knit stash and help with my wardrobe issues. Seriously, it’s getting a little out of hand. Like I may have to have a thrifted t-shirt intervention. And that’s not even counting the knit yardage – which this all came from. And I might have just bought some more knit at Joann yesterday. Hi, I’m Melissa and I’m addicted to knit fabric…
Want to make your own? You’ll need:
- 2/3 yard of main color knit fabric
- 1/2 yard of each contrast color knit fabric
- The pattern…
The pattern is a women’s size small, and as you can see from the pictures it’s a little drapey and loose. For reference, my current measurements are 34″ Bust and 36″ hips. If you need to make the pattern bigger or smaller, check out this post.
To get this pattern, click your preferred option from the buttons below as a newsletter subscriber or gallery access pass purchaser. Note that the free version of the pattern does not have printable instructions.
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Please note that all my free patterns are licensed for personal use only (no selling items made from this unless you purchase it) and by downloading you are agreeing to this license.
This is sewn with 1/2″ seam allowances throughout. Oh, also, remember I’m short. The final back/neck length of this pattern is like 24 inches.
I’m assuming you know how to assemble a basic t-shirt; or that if you don’t you do know how to google. So all I’m going to show you is how to assemble the colorblocked front. Lay out the front pieces like this:
Sew them together using a narrow zig-zag and 1/2″ seams. I didn’t serge because I felt that would be too bulky. Trim seams to 1/4″.
It should look like this when the front is done
If there are any wonky bits on the side edges where the seams didn’t quite match right, just trim.
You’ll notice the front is quite a bit wider than the back. That’s what gives it its drape. Assemble as normal, matching shoulders, inserting sleeves, and sewing down the underarms and sides.
I left to edges unfinished – no hemming necessary since I was using interlock. If you use jersey and it rolls and you don’t like that look, you could add a narrow hem.
And that’s it!
Alida L.
Oooh looks slimming! I definitely need to try that. (From someone who has birthed 4 babies…I need all the help I can get!)
pintucks
Love this post, and not just because you totally made fun of your dress form (though HAH!!! Love it.)
The shirt is adorable – might have to try this!!! Thanks for the pattern!
Christy.
the momma (aka Shannon)
gorgeous! and seriously girl…there’s nothing you need to worry about on that figure! 😉
LisaRae
Want to see something scary, I did something similar but not drape-y a few weeks ago! These tops are popular but so easy to make http://www.seweffingbored.blogspot.com/2012/09/colour-block-tank-top-rickis-knockoff.html
Unknown
This shirt is super cute! I’m excited to try it myself. Thanks!
Rachel B
You’re right – it looks better on you than on Molly! Nice job!
Ashley
Cute idea!! I think this would be perfect for game day shirt!
-Ashley
http://distractedashley.blogspot.com
Nancy M.
This is so cute.
immerBeginner
Awesome! I’ve been trying to find a way to refashion all of those shirts that are a little too short, and this by far is the best – the cut, the color-block, the whole thing! Thanks very much for sharing, especially with the pattern; truly appreciate it!!
feelincrafty
This is a great project! I liked in the first picture, but it looks even better on!
Abbie
I saw this on craftgossip and I adore it! Very cute! Thanks for the pattern! Can’t wait to find time to make it.
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain
What a fun shirt–love the colors you chose!
Cassandra
I love this… definitely have to give it a go, with the weather warming up here in Australia, I’ve been thinking about making some new tops just for me. Thank you 🙂
Shirley Ann
I really like this; it is so feminine. I definitely want to try this; thank you for posting.
thethinkingcloset
Love this! Found you on “Sew Many Ways.” Learning how to sew…are knits hard to work with? Any tips?
maarnietvangrijs
Lovely!!!! I wanna try this!! 🙂
Jenna
Super cute!
UCCWOODBURY
Might be a strange question because it is unrelated to the shirt, but I really like your jeans. What kind/brand are they? They look great on you btw. I am short also so it is nice to find jeans I don’t have to hem
Nike
So pretty! I saw this on Brassy Apple and had to come check it out. LOVE the colors and asymmetry!
Jessica Lucas
ha, i like it! i’m wearing a similar shirt now, actually, but it’s a printed scratchy knit stripe. I like yours better. 🙂
jess @ tupelo creative
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – you were featured today! – Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
PoldaPop
Glad I found this – I love the design and it inspires me to try more shapes!
WTFab
How cute! Would love it if you linked this up on my blog hop http://www.w-t-fab.com/search/label/bloghop. Also let me know if you’d like to follow each other!
Vernelle Nelson
Very imaginative. What a great way to put those scraps to good use.
Dana Caffrey
Another cute and cool design! I’ve been searching for a DIY page and I’m glad to see your page. I’m excited to try it myself. Thanks!
Lettetia
Lovely! Thank you for the inspiration. I have just the perfect colors to make one for myself.
Helen Lindner
I just loved this pattern and I am certainly going to try it
Paola
Hi! I have just finished my colorblock t-shirt using your pattern and it looks great! Thank you for sharing it.
Lucy
Love this blouse! Can’t wait to make it.
Bronte
I’m prepping my pattern for slashing and spreading, so I can add length and do an FBA. The two bottom colour blocks say to “cut 1 on fold”, the two top colour blocks, just “cut 1”. Looking at it, it seems that the “Cut 1” would be the correct instruction. I’m still at the paper stage, so I have time to figure this out.
Thanks
Melissa Mora
Yes, those should both just be cut 1.